Device and method for training or learning how to march in a group

ABSTRACT

A device for attachment to footwear to make sound when an individual completes a proper marching step is provided. The device includes a toe strike plate disposed a toe step surface and a heel strike plate disposed a heel step surface. The strike plates produce an identifiable sound when they contact the ground during a marching step. The produced sound is used to improve marching technique and to synchronize marching steps. Methods of training and learning how to march in a group using the device are also provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to marching groups, and moreparticularly, relating to a footwear device and a method to trainmembers of a marching group to synchronize their steps or improve theirmarching technique.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most people associate marching with marching bands and military parades,where members of the group step in a synchronized, steady, and rhythmicwalk. Many marching groups, such as marching bands, not only perform intraditional style parades, but also perform competitive field shows.While marching, members of the group must maintain their alignment withother members in addition to marching with a uniform technique and timehis or her steps and pace with the other members.

A roll step or glide step is a particular step style that is commonlyused by marching bands to reduce unnecessary body movement thatotherwise would negatively impact the visual appearance of the band'smovement and musical instrument playing. The technical mechanics ofperforming a roll step are well known in the field, and thus only abasic description is necessary here. Essentially, a roll step isperformed with a raised and slightly bent leg positioned such that atthe heel is slightly off the ground with the toes pointed upward. As theindividual walks forward, the heel contacts the ground, and theindividual “rolls” his or her foot to the ground from heel to toe. Rollstepping is difficult to master individually and is even more difficultto master stepping in synch with other members.

A crab step is another particular step style that is commonly used bymarching bands when moving sideways to reduce unnecessary body movementthat otherwise would negatively impact the visual appearance of theband's movement and musical instrument playing. The technical mechanicsof performing a crab step are well known in the field, and thus only abasic description is necessary here. Essentially, a crab step isperformed when the leading foot crosses over the opposing leg to theside, resulting in sideways movement while the torso and instrumentremain facing the audience.

Varied techniques exist and are commonly used for marching backwardswhile the torso and instrument remain facing the audience in order toreduce unnecessary body movement that would negatively impact the visualappearance of the band's movement and musical instrument playing. Thetechnical mechanics of backwards marching are well known in the field,with individual styles containing nuances that do not alter the basicmotion, and thus only a basic description is necessary here.Essentially, backwards marching is performed by the individual steppingdirectly behind his or her current position with the point of impactbeing either the point of the toe or the ball of the foot. Depending onthe style, the individual may either roll the foot from the toe to theheel or remain on the balls of the feet throughout the technique.

Marking time and step-offs are commonly used techniques for marching inplace. The technical mechanics of marking time and step-offs are wellknown in the field, and thus only a basic description is necessary here.Marking time consists of the individual raising his or her heel orentire foot a short distance from the ground and returning it to thesame location. Marking time is generally used to increase marchingprecision and increase musical timing while performing. Marking time mayalso include a rehearsal technique known as a step-off in which theindividual will mark time while rehearsing and then take the first oneor two steps when a new marching formation begins in the music. The footis then returned to its original position.

Heretofore, there has been no development in the field that allowmembers of a marching group to train to march in synchronization bylistening to sound produced by one's own steps relative to the soundproduced by the steps of other members. Accordingly, there exists aneed, including a method, device, or both to create a distinct soundwhile marching for the purpose of training members of a marching groupto synchronize their steps and/or hone their marching technique.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus and method formembers of a marching group to train to step in synchronization and/orhone marching technique by listening to the sound produced by one's ownsteps relative to the sound produced by the steps of other members isprovided.

In general, in one aspect, a device to be worn over an article offootwear for training members of a marching group to synchronize theirsteps and/or hone their marching technique is provided. The deviceincludes a toe portion having a toe step surface, a heel portionconnected to the toe portion and having a heel step surface, a toestrike plate disposed on the toe step surface, and a heel strike platedisposed on the heel step surface.

In certain embodiments, the toe portion can be a toe cup and the heelportion can be a heel cup. The length of each of the first and secondside straps can be adjustable. And, the toe strike plate and the heelstrike plate can be removably attached to the toe portion and the heelportion.

In general, in another aspect, a method for training a marching group tosynchronize their steps is provided. The method includes the steps of:

-   -   a). attaching to the footwear of one or more members of the        marching group a device including a toe portion having a toe        step surface, a heel portion having a heel step surface, a toe        strike plate disposed on said toe step surface, and a heel        strike plate disposed on said heel step surface;    -   b). instructing the one or more members to perform a sequence of        marching steps; and    -   c). instructing the one or more members to adjust his or her        marching steps to produce sound from at least one of said toe        strike plate and said heel strike plate in synch with the sound        produced from at least one of said toe strike plate and said        heel strike plate of another member of the marching group.

In general, in another aspect, a method for learning to march in a groupis provided. The method including the steps of:

-   -   a). attaching to one's footwear a device including a toe portion        having a toe step surface, a heel portion having a heel step        surface, a toe strike plate disposed on said toe step surface,        and a heel strike plate disposed on said heel step surface;    -   b). performing a sequence of marching steps; and    -   c). adjusting one's marching steps to produce sound from at        least one of said toe strike plate and said heel strike plate in        synch with sound produced from at least one of said toe strike        plate and said heel strike plate of another member of the        marching group.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofthat follows may be better understood and in order that the presentcontribution to the art may be better appreciated.

Numerous objects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbe readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a readingof the following detailed description of presently preferred, butnonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention iscapable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out invarious ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions andshould not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages,and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be madeto the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there areillustrated embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate by way of example and are included toprovide further understanding of the invention for the purpose ofillustrative discussion of the embodiments of the invention. No attemptis made to show structural details of the embodiments in more detailthan is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, thedescription taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled inthe art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied inpractice. Identical reference numerals do not necessarily indicate anidentical structure. Rather, the same reference numeral may be used toindicate a similar feature or a feature with similar functionality. Inthe drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a device to be worn over an articleof footwear for training members of a marching group to synchronizetheir steps and/or hone their marching technique that is constructed inaccordance with the principles of an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a back elevation view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of a deviceto be worn over an article of footwear for training members of amarching group to synchronize their steps and/or hone their marchingtechnique that is constructed in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a back elevation view of the device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of yet another alternative embodiment ofa device to be worn over an article of footwear for training members ofa marching group to synchronize their steps and/or hone their marchingtechnique that is constructed in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention;

FIG. 10 is a back elevation view of the device of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the device of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 through 4, there is representativelyillustrated a new device 10 that is constructed in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. Device 10 is for use in connectionwith a method of training members of a marching group to synchronizetheir steps and/or hone their marching technique. It is to be understoodthat the terms step(s) and marching step(s), as used herein, includesroll stepping, crab stepping, marking time, step-offs, and the likemaneuvers whether performed in place or not.

Broadly, device 10 is an over-shoe for the footwear of members of amarching group, which operates to generate an identifiable sound whilestepping so that members are able to adjust their steps to produce thesound in synch with the sound produced from the steps other members ofthe marching group.

Device 10 includes a toe portion 12, a heel portion 14, first and secondstraps 16 and 18 that extend between and connect the toe portion andheel portion together, a toe strike plate 20, and a heel strike plate22. Toe portion 12 is sized and shaped to be positioned over and toreceive therein the toe 24 of footwear 26 (shown in broken line).Similarly, heel portion 14 is sized and shaped to be positioned over andto receive therein the heel 28 of footwear 26. In an aspect, the toeportion 12 and the heel portion 14 are generally cup-shaped and receivethe toe and heel of the footwear, respectively, therein.

The toe portion 12 and heel portion 14 could be constructed from aplastic material, for example. And, if constructed from a plasticmaterial, preferably the plastic material is a material that does notmark floor surfaces. However, it is contemplated that the toe portion 12and the heel portion 14 could be constructed from other materials, suchas, but not limited to elastomeric materials. Accordingly, the inventionshould not be limited by the material from which the toe portion 12 andthe heel portion 14 are constructed from, because one of ordinary skillin the art will readily appreciate that the toe portion and heel portioncould be constructed from any number of materials while remaining withinthe scope of the invention.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-4, strap 16 is connected at a firstend 30 to one lateral side of the toe portion 12 and is connected at asecond end 32 to a corresponding lateral side of the heel portion 14.Similarly, strap 18 is connected at a first end 34 to the lateral sideof the toe portion 12 that is opposite from strap 16 and is connected ata second end 36 to the lateral side of the heel portion 14 that isopposite from strap 16. In the illustrated embodiment, end 30 of strap16 and end 34 of strap 18 are fixedly attached to the toe portion. Andend 32 of strap 16 and end 36 of strap 18 are adjustably attached toheel portion 14.

Particularly, heel portion 14 includes barbs 38 and 40 that projectoutwardly from the opposite sides of the heel portion. End 32 of strap16 and end 36 of strap 18 each include a series of holes 42, 44 thatspaced along the length of the strap. Holes 42 and 44 are sized toremovably receive barbs, 38 and 40, respectively, to securely attach thestraps to the heel portion 14. To this end, the length of each strap 16and 18, which extends between the toe portion 12 and the heel portion14, can be adjusted by changing the hole 42, 44 that receives the barbs38, 40.

It should be noted that this barb-in-hole attachment system could bereplaced by another attachment system that permits adjusting the lengthsof the straps. Accordingly, the invention should not be limited by thebarb-in-hole attachment system, because one of ordinary skill in the artwill readily appreciate that other attachment systems could be usedwhile remaining within the scope of the invention.

Further, straps 16 and 18 can be made of an elastic material thatpermits pulling the toe portion 12 apart from the heel portion 14 bystretching the straps so that the toe portion and heel portion can besecurely attached the user's footwear.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1-4, toe portion 12 includes a toestep surface 46 and the heel portion 14 includes a heel step surface 48.In the illustrated embodiment, the toe step surface 46 is a generallyvertical surface of the toe portion 12. That is, when device 10 isattached to an article of footwear 26, the toe step surface 46 isoriented generally vertical relative to the sole of the footwear.Further, the toe step surface 46 is located on the toe portion 12 at aposition that is forward of the toe box of the footwear. In other words,when the device 10 is attached to footwear 26, the toe step surface 46is located at a position that is forward of the ball of the individual'sfoot and is generally vertically oriented relative to the sole of thefootwear.

Similarly, in the illustrated embodiment, the heel step surface 48 is agenerally vertical surface of the heel portion 14. That is, when device10 is attached to an article of footwear 26, the heel step surface 48 isoriented generally vertical relative to the sole of the footwear.Further, the heel step surface 48 is located on the heel portion 14 at aposition that is rearward of the heel cap of the footwear. In otherwords, when the device 10 is attached to footwear 26, the heel stepsurface 48 is located at a position that is rearward of the heel of theindividual's foot and is generally vertically oriented relative to thesole of the footwear. at a position that is forward from the location ofa tap 50 (representatively shown in broken line) of a tap shoe.Similarly, the heel step surface 48 is located on the heel portion 14 ata position that is rearward from the location of a tap 52(representatively shown in broken line) of a tap shoe.

The toe strike plate 20 is attached to the toe portion 12 so that it islocated or disposed on the toe step surface 46. And, the heel strikeplate 22 is attached to the heel portion 14 so that it is located ordisposed on the heel step surface 48. Importantly, the toe strike plate20 is positioned such that it is located forward of the ball of anindividual's foot, and the heel strike plate 22 is positioned rearwardof the heel of an individual's foot. To this end, the toe strike plate20 and the heel strike plate 22 are positioned such that the strikeplates each create a recognizable sound at the impact point of amarching step, but remain set-off from the weight-bearing portions ofthe foot.

Further, the toe strike plate 20 and the heel strike plate 22 arepositioned such that sound is produced or created from only the toestrike plate or the heel strike plate when a single marching step ormaneuver is performed correctly. Thus, if an individual causes both thetoe strike plate 20 and the heel strike plate 22 to create a soundduring a single marching step or maneuver, the individual, hearing thesesounds, knows the single marching step or maneuver was performedincorrectly.

Additionally, the toe strike plate 20 and the heel strike plate 22 canbe removably attached by one or more threaded fasteners or the like.Further, the toe strike plate 20 and the heel strike plate 22 arerepresentatively illustrated in the figures of the drawings and shouldnot be limited to the particular shapes and configuration that areshown. Further, the toe strike plate 20 and the heel strike plate 22 canbe made of various materials and one skilled in the art is capable ofselecting a material or combination of materials to achieve a desiredsound or noise made by the strike plates.

With reference to FIGS. 5-8, there is illustrated a slightly differentembodiment, where toe step surface 46′ is not oriented generallyvertical relative to sole of the article footwear 26. Rather, the toestep surface 46′ may be oriented so that it is generally along the soleof the article footwear, but is still located at position that isforward of the ball of an individual's foot. This is best understoodwith particular reference to FIG. 8 where the general position of theball of an individual's foot is indicated by broken-line 50.Additionally, the general position of the heel of an individual's footis also shown and indicated by broken-line 52.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, the toe strike plate 20 is locatedor disposed on the toe step surface 46′ and the heel strike plate 22 islocated or disposed on the heel step surface 48. Thus, as is in thepreviously described embodiment, the toe strike plate 20 is positionedsuch that it is located forward of the ball of an individual's foot, andthe heel strike plate 22 is positioned rearward of the heel of anindividual's foot.

Consequently, in either of these embodiments, positioning the toe strikeplate 20 and the heel strike 22 off of the load bearing surfaces (e.g.,the ball and heel) of an individual's foots is an important distinctionfrom a conventional tap shoe, which positions the taps over the foot'sload bearing surfaces. Further, it is important to note and understandthat a conventional tap shoe would not perform as desired because a tapshoe would create two sounds for each marching step, whether the stepwas performed correct or incorrectly. Whereas, the device of the presentinvention is intended to produce sound from only one strike plate foreach marching step when that marching step is performed correctly, andcould produce sound from both strike plates when that marching step isperformed incorrectly.

In use, it can now be understood, that an individual attaches one device10 his or her footwear by adjusting straps 16 and 18 to the footwearsize and then by pulling the toe portion 12 apart from the heel portion14 so as to position the footwear between the toe and heel portions.Then, as the individual practices a particular marching step, such as aroll step or backwards marching step, the toe strike plate 20 or heelstrike plate 22 attached the footwear will make a recognizable sound asthey contact the ground when the individual executes a proper marchingstep. The user will listen to the sound produced from the respectivestrike plates to practice completing a proper step.

Further, in a group setting, such as the members of a marching bandtraining together, each member will be able to listen to the sound fromhis or her own steps relative to the sound made from at least one othermember's steps as the marching band practices. Hearing the sound fromone's own steps relative to the sound of at least one other's stepspermits the members to better coordinate their stepping and achievesynchronization.

In a particular method, a method for training a marching group isprovided. The method includes attaching to the footwear of one or moremembers of the marching group a device including a toe portion having atoe step surface, a heel portion having a heel step surface, a toestrike plate disposed on or forward of the toe step surface, and a heelstrike plate disposed on or rearward of the heel step surface. Then,instructing the one or more members to perform a sequence of marchingsteps. And, instructing the one or more members to adjust his or hermarching steps to produce sound from at least one of the toe strikeplate and the heel strike plate in synch with the sound produced from atleast one of the toe strike plate and the heel strike plate of anothermember of the marching group.

The method can include the one or more members adjust his or hermarching steps to produce sound from only one of the toe strike plateand the heel strike plate while performing a marching step. The methodcan include the device being attached to only footwear of a left foot orright foot of the one or more members.

In another method, a method for learning to march in a group isprovided. The method including attaching to one's footwear a deviceincluding a toe portion having a toe step surface, a heel portion havinga heel step surface, a toe strike plate disposed on or forward of thetoe step surface, and a heel strike plate disposed on or rearward of theheel step surface. Then, performing a sequence of marching steps. And,adjusting one's marching steps to produce sound from at least one of thetoe strike plate and the heel strike plate in synch with noise producedfrom at least one of the toe strike plate and the heel strike plate ofanother member of the marching group.

The method can include adjusting step includes producing sound from onlyone of said toe strike plate and said heel strike plate while performinga marching step. The method can include attaching the device to onlyfootwear of a left foot or footwear of a right foot.

While the above description has described in detail one embodimentconstructed in accordance with the present invention, other embodimentsare possible. For example, in FIGS. 9-11 there is illustrated device 10′having an alternative construction where side straps 16 and 18 arereplaced by a cord 54. Cord 54 is threaded through the toe portion 12′and the heel portion 14′ and then secured by a cord lock 56. Forexample, as illustrated the cord 54 is threaded through loops 58 of thetoe portion 12′ and loops 60 of the heel portion 14′ such that the cordwraps around the toe portion and extends along both sides of device 10′and a user's footwear, and is then secured by the cord lock 56 at thefront of the footwear. Alternatively, slots, eyelets, hooks, etc. couldbe used in place of loops 58 and 60.

A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described.Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device to be worn over an article of footwearfor training members of a marching group, the device comprising: a toeportion having a toe step surface; a heel portion having a heel stepsurface; said toe portion and said heel portion being connectedtogether; a toe strike plate disposed on said toe step surface; and aheel strike plate disposed on said heel step surface.
 2. The device ofclaim 1, wherein said toe portion is a toe cup and said heel portion isa heel cup.
 3. The device of claim 1, further comprising: first andsecond side straps extending between and connecting said toe portion andsaid heel portion.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein a length of each ofsaid first and second side straps is adjustable.
 5. The device of claim1, wherein said toe strike plate is removably attached to said toeportion and said heel strike plate is removably attached to said heelportion.
 6. The device of claim 3, wherein each of said first and secondside straps being stretchable such that said toe portion and said heelportion can be pulled apart to allow the insertion of the footwearbetween said toe portion and said heel portion with a toe of thefootwear received by said toe portion and a heel of the footwearreceived by said heel portion.
 7. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a cord, said cording being threaded through said heelportion and said toe portion and connecting said toe portion and saidheel portion.
 8. A method for training a marching group, the methodcomprising: attaching to the footwear of one or more members of themarching group a device including a toe portion having a toe stepsurface, a heel portion having a heel step surface, a toe strike platedisposed on said toe step surface, and a heel strike plate disposed onsaid heel step surface; instructing the one or more members to perform asequence of marching steps; and instructing the one or more members toadjust his or her marching steps to produce sound from at least one ofsaid toe strike plate and said heel strike plate in synch with the soundproduced from at least one of said toe strike plate and said heel strikeplate of another member of the marching group.
 9. The method of claim 8,wherein said instruction step includes said one or more membersadjusting his or her marching steps to produce sound from only one ofsaid toe strike plate and said heel strike plate while performing amarching step.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein said attaching stepincludes said device being attached to only footwear of a left foot ofsaid one or more members.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein saidattaching step includes said device being attached to only footwear of aright foot of said one or more members.
 12. The method of claim 8,wherein said attaching step further comprises said toe portion and saidheel portion being connected together.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein said attaching step further comprises said toe portion and saidheel portion being connected together such that a distance between saidtoe portion and said heel portion is adjustable to one or more fixeddistances.
 14. The method of claim 8, wherein said attaching stepfurther comprises said toe strike plate being removably attached to saidtoe portion and said heel strike plate being removably attached to saidheel portion.
 15. A method for learning to march in a group, the methodcomprising: attaching to one's footwear a device including a toe portionhaving a toe step surface, a heel portion having a heel step surface, atoe strike plate disposed on said toe step surface, and a heel strikeplate disposed on said heel step surface; performing a sequence ofmarching steps; and adjusting one's marching steps to produce sound fromat least one of said toe strike plate and said heel strike plate insynch with noise produced from at least one of said toe strike plate andsaid heel strike plate of another member of the marching group.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein said adjusting step includes producing soundfrom only one of said toe strike plate and said heel strike plate whileperforming a marching step.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein saidattaching step includes said device being attached to only footwear of aleft foot.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein said attaching stepincludes said device being attached to only footwear of a right foot.19. The method of claim 15, wherein said attaching step furthercomprises said toe portion and said heel portion being connectedtogether.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein said attaching stepfurther comprises said toe portion and said heel portion being connectedtogether such that a distance between said toe portion and said heelportion is adjustable to one or more fixed distances.